WEBUYE - President Mwai Kibaki has urged Kenyans who are yet to read the Proposed Constitution to utilize the remaining days to read and understand the document so as to make an informed decision during next week’s national referendum.
Saying the new constitution is good for the country, President Kibaki called on those who are unable to read to use their children and other trustworthy members of society to assist them understand the contents of the Proposed Constitution.
The President was speaking today at Pan Paper stadium where he addressed a mammoth ‘Yes’ campaign rally.
The Head of State said adequate copies of the Proposed Constitution have been printed and availed by the Government for all Kenyans to read and understand the contents before voting during the referendum.
The President observed that during his ‘Yes’ campaigns in various parts of the country, Kenyans have expressed their wish for a new constitution and are now ready to endorse the new law so as to turn to other issues of national importance.
Responding to requests from wananchi, President Kibaki upgraded Kibabii Teachers College to a university college.
The President, therefore, urged wananchi to augment the Government’s efforts to promote education in the country by contributing generously towards expansion of educational institutions’ physical facilities.
President Kibaki, at the same time, expressed confidence that the will of Kenyans to have a new constitutional dispensation will translate into majority votes for the Proposed Constitution at the referendum.
He emphasized that majority of Kenyans agree on over 90 per cent of the contents of the new constitution and reassured that the few issues viewed as contentious will effectively be addressed after the referendum.
The Head of State said the new constitution would benefit the country as it guaranteed good governance and better management of resources.
The President, who had earlier reopened the Pan Paper Mills Webuye, said the Proposed Constitution also would ensure equitable development of the country through devolved funds.
Vice-Presidnt Kalonzo Musyoka said the Proposed Constitution, once passed, would open a new chapter in the country’s history.
Besides providing a new beginning for Kenya, Mr. Kalonzo affirmed that the Proposed Constitution would guarantee basic human rights and economic empowerment.
The Vice-President expressed gratitude to President Kibaki for being in the forefront in the reform agenda in the country.
Leaders in the area led Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government Musalia Mudavadi urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and vote for the Proposed Constitution that will ensure prosperity in the country.
Mr. Mudavadi said it was only through voting that the Proposed Constitution will pass and enable Kenyans to enjoy the benefits guaranteed by the new law.
Cabinet ministers Moses Wetangula, Noah Wekesa, Fred Gumo and Soita Shitanda supported President Kibaki’s assuarance to Kenyans that the contentious issues would be addressed after the referendum.
Leaders from the region also thanked President Kibaki for reviving the Pan Paper Mills at Webuye, saying this is one of the many collapsed factories in the country that have been revived through Government’s intervention.
Others who drummed up support for the new constitution included COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, several Members of Parliament and professionals from the larger Bungoma District.
Source: PPS
